‘I want to be the worst dressed bride,’ said no-one ever. Yet, finding the perfect wedding dress is also one of the most difficult tasks to face in the run up to your wedding day. These tips will help you find look the part of queen for the day without hvaing a psychotic breakdown.

1. First things first

Know the place and time of your wedding to focus your search. Will you be having a daytime ceremony on the beach? You can rule out ball gowns with long trains and dramatic embellishments. Exchanging vows in a candlelit cathedral? Avoid short slip dresses or anything that looks like it could be worn to a cocktail party. Most fabrics are suitable year-round, but some, like linen and organdy, are more appropriate for warm weather, while velvet and brocade are best left for winter.

2. Money talks

Figure out how much you want to spend, and tell the salesperson before she starts bringing out gowns. That way you won’t lose your heart to a dress you can’t afford. Typically, a wedding ensemble, including veil, undergarments, and any other accessories, accounts for 10 percent to 15 percent of the total wedding cost. Factor in extras, such as alterations, shipping fees and professional pressing or steaming.

3. The early bride gets the dress.

Begin shopping six to nine months before your wedding. It takes about four months for a manufacturer to make a dress and another two months to complete the alterations. Very elaborate gowns will take longer. Short on time? Many shops do rush orders for an additional fee, but your choices will likely be limited. They also may have a sale section with samples you can buy off the rack. If you’re lucky, you can get one that needs just minor alterations.

4. Talk the talk

It’s not every day you see terms such as basque waist or Watteau train or try to differentiate between three shades of white. Pour over bridal magazines, books, and websites to learn about fabrics, silhouettes, and the terminology so you can better convey what you’re looking for. Start a folder with pictures of dresses or details that appeal to you, and take it with you when you shop.

5. Make a game plan

Decide where you want to go and call stores in advance to find out which designers they carry, the price range of their dresses, and if they sell accessories and provide alterations. Make sure you phone battery is charged so you can take pictures to show to close friends whose fashion advice has never let you down. (trust us on getting your friends’ second opinion)

6. Make believe

Take anything you know you want to wear, such as a special necklace or your grandmother’s veil. Boutiques will often provide bustiers, strapless bras, and shoes, but you may want to bring your own. This is to make sure you leave no room for surprise when it comes to how you look when your day finally arrives.

7. Keep an open mind.

This is the mantra repeated over and over by bridal consultants. So take their advice, even if what they urge you to try on doesn’t seem like your style. Some dresses don’t look like much on the hanger but look great on. On the other hand, never let yourself be talked into purchasing a gown you’re not in love with.

8. Focus on fit, not size

Bridalwear often runs smaller than ready-to-wear; if you normally buy an 8, you may need a 12. So forget the numbers and don’t insist on a smaller size because you intend to lose weight before the wedding—order the one that fits now. A gown is easy to take in, but difficult and costly to let out.

9. Make the most of each fitting

It usually takes two or three fittings to adjust a gown, but don’t be shy about asking for more if you think tweaks are needed. The first appointment occurs about two to four months before the wedding, at which time you need to have your undergarments, shoes, and accessories. You may also want to get your hair done in the style you will wear. Can you lift your arms easily? Do the straps stay up? Do any seams pucker? The last fitting takes place a week or two before the event.

Happy shopping.

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